Arch Enemy is a melodic death metal band from Sweden featuring former members of metal legends Carcass, In Flames and King Diamond. The twist is that they have a female vocalist, Angela Gossow. But don't be fooled into thinking this is goth metal with beautiful vocals and lyrics of ghosts, whispers and lost loved ones. No sir. Gossow spews forth some of the most evil, deathly vocals you'll here in the genre. Since she joined the band for the Wages of Sin album, Arch Enemy has taken off in the metal scene with high-profile tours, videos on Headbangers Ball, constant news blurbs on Blabbermouth.net and so forth. Their previous album, Anthems of Rebellion, was widely popular and considered the band's breakthrough release. Doomsday Machine has to be one of the most highly anticipated metal releases of 2005 and Arch Enemy has not disappointed.

Right off the bat, the disc demands the listener’s attention with the guitar solo opening of "Enter The Machine.” "Taking Back My Soul" begins with a Pantera-like riff-frenzy, quickly introducing you to Gossow, now sounding like a Gargoyle straight out of hell. She hits you hard send chills down your spine. "Taking Back My Soul," with brilliant guitar harmonies, solos and of course Gossow’s vocals, ranks as one of Arch Enemy's best. "Nemesis" is another strong track featuring everything that Arch Enemy is about—chanting vocals, precision guitar work, a catchy chorus, lightning-fast drumming and a heavy-ass breakdown.

"My Apocalypse" is my other favorite track from this release. It has a groove that's sure to start mosh pits at every show they play. "Carry The Cross" is a slower, with vocals that sound as if they are being sung under water. "I Am Legend" and "Skeleton Dance" are decent if not spectacular, but they fit well into the album. "Hybrids of Steel" is an instrumental, showing off the amazing guitarists of this band. I'm not a huge fan of instrumentals but it makes the album flow very well. "Mechanic God Creation" is flat-out awesome, featuring more Pantera-esque riffs and a more mid-paced tempo.  "Machtampf" and "Slaves of Yesterday" are standard Arch Enemy and end the album on a solid note. They are not the best this band can do in my opinion but are necessary to make the album a complete piece of work.

I still can't believe that it's a girl on vocals. Not only is this music original in this day and age, but it pays homage to artists of the past. There is no better band today to carry the torch for classic metal bands.